Words have the power to move. In 1962 a modest design studio created its own riff on that statement in the form of a small booklet of typographic brilliance, and changed forever how designers thought about the graphic potential of words. Decades later, the impact of watching words move is still felt. Never before had the idea been so lucidly and playfully expressed that type itself could speak, that word-forms carried their own implied visual meanings; that the placement of letters on the page could suggest motion, narrative, emotionjust about anything. Now widely available for the first time, this reproduction of the original includes thoughts by influential designers George Lois, April Greiman, Kit Hinrichs, Michael Carabetta, and Steven Heller on the lasting impact of this lively type primer, and presents its still-fresh innovation to new generations of designers.
Ivan Chermayeff
A prolific designer, illustrator, and artist, Ivan has created memorable, iconic images for literally hundreds of clients. As a founding partner of Chermayeff & Geismar with Tom Geismar, he has played a significant role in establishing the firm's worldwide reputation. His trademarks, posters, publications and art installations for contemporary buildings are widely recognized and have received nearly every award bestowed by the profession, including gold medals from the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the Society of Illustrators.
